Participatory Action Research on Potentials and Constraints for Enhanced Food Security and Climate Resilience in the Dry Lands of Somaliland. A Case of Garab-cad and Caro-Malko Villages, Gabiley Region

Abstract

The study investigated the potentials and constraints for enhanced food security and climate resilience in the drylands of Somaliland by taking the case of Garab-Cad and Caro-Malko villages, Gabiley region. The aim of the PD was to generate community-driven information on agriculture, livestock and environmental priority needs of the selected villages. The problem of the study was persistent food insecurity in Somaliland in general and in this potentially agricultural rich region of Somaliland. The study adopted participatory diagnosis approaches and methodologies with targeted 30 beneficiaries, to facilitate the capture of the perspectives of farmers and to provide scope for all involved to learn from each other and stimulate self-propelled initiatives. The study found that farmers generally lack knowledge of post-harvest technologies and storage; they need new agricultural crops besides the food staples; training on the use of soil and water conservation; as well as training several aspects of farming. The study recommends training on climate-smart and sustainable agriculture practices; improving the capacity of key actors in agriculture and the potential of service providers and other stakeholders; and improving farmer's capacity for efficient use locally available resources in the local agro-ecology, among other recommendations.